The chain is said to have compact, low-profile sidewall sections, and is available in three-link (traction) and four-link (protection/traction) mesh patterns.

“The chain is designed to allow unhindered access to wheel studs and service points,” a RUD spokesperson said.

“It uses standard 14mm components, and features a forged wear link with special profiling to ensure maximum traction is achieved.”

RUD says it is also having success with larger surface quarrying and mining equipment with its FELS Imperial X18 and Gigant Plus X18 chain designs. Suitable for machines with tyre sizes ranging from 29.5X25 to 45/65-45, these chains are proving to be real winners.

“The Imperial X18 is suitable for low-abrasion applications such as limestone and basalt, whereas the Gigant Plus X18, with its XHD wear link, has delivered outstanding results in tough and highly abrasive hard-rock applications such as granite, hornsfel and diorite,” the RUD spokesperson said.

The company's newest innovation was a forged suspension link said to improve force distribution within the tyre chain. As well as being more resistant to severe impact from large rocks, the new design is said to allow safer and faster fitting, and tensioning adjustment of the chain.

“RUD can supply chains to suit virtually any tyre size - from 9.00X20 to the giant 65/65-57 tyres fitted to the largest wheel loaders currently in service in Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“With extensive experience in a wide variety of applications, RUD can provide proven solutions to any site where there are concerns about tyre service life, including premature tyre failure, or where poor machine productivity due to traction problems is an issue.”

Australia’s Mining Monthly